Apparatus for burning brick.



W. B. CHAPMAN. APPARATUS FOR BURNING BRICK. APPLICATION IILED AUG. 15, 1906. RENEWED JUNE 18, 1909.

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APPARATUS FOR BURNING BRICK.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 15, 1905. RENEWED JUNE 18, 1909.

Patented Sept. 7', 1909.

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UNITED s'TATEs PATENT orricn.

' WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN, or BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

Af'PAnn'rus FOR BURNING Buick.

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Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. *7, 190a.

. Applicatiou filed August 15; 1906, Serial No. 330,637. Renewed June 18, 1909. "Serial No. 502,967.

lb all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN, of the borough of Brooklyn, county of Kings, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Burning Brick, of which the foleconomically burning brick and other ceramic manufactures with the use of producer gas'as fuel. In attaining this end I provide a tunnel which is built preferably on the surface of the ground and which is adapted to form, so to speak, a second orkiln-tun after and to have moved through it a train of kilncars, these cars being open at the end and bolted together to receive the brick and nel within the first tunnel. Air is circulated through these outer andwinner tunnels and gas is supplied from a producer to an intermediate point in-jthe inner or kiln-tunnel, allowing me to subject the brick successively to the operations of drying, water smoking, burnin and cooling.

-It is also an ob ectof my invention to provide means facilitating the control of the air and gas currentsso that the brick may-be so subjected to the. air and flame as to bring about, first .correct preparation of the green or wet brick for the burning process, second,

the burning of the brick and third, the rapid Y cooling of the same, enabling them to be quickly handled after. the operation is com A further object of the invention is to improvethe=construction of the gas supply nozzles by'mea'ns of which leakageof gas is effectually prevented and the-nozzles are allowed a wide range of adjustment enabling them to be engaged with the kiln-cars or disengaged therefrom at will. U

My ivention involves various other features and all will be fully setvforth hereinparticularly pointed out in the claims. i

Reference is:now had to the accompanying drawings which illustrate as-an example one manner of practically embodying the principles of my invention, in which-drawings, Figure 1 isa side elevation of the appa' ratus with parts in section; Fig. 2 is a plan view also with parts in section; Fig. 3 is a on this'track the kiln-cars 16 run.

cross section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2- Fig. l is an enlarged cross section through the kiln at the point of one of the gas nozzles; Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the kiln-cars; and Fig. 6 is a sectional viewof one of the plugs used for closing the gas openings in the kiln-cars.

10 indicates the outer tunnel or inclosing wall. This is preferably constructed of masonry and extends horizontally on the surface of the earth. At the receiving end a housing 11 is arranged and in this is located a fan 12 or other form of pump for causing a current of air to pass through the apparatus as will be fully set forth hereinafter. As shown best in Fig. 4, rails 15, are laid in the tunnel 10, to form a track and These cars as shown best in Fig. 5, are formed of fire brick or other refractory material. A the ends of the kiln-cars metallic rings or bands 17 are located and these are clamped firmly in'place by longitudinal tie rods 18.

These rings or bands 17 serve the double purpose of permitting practically hermetic connection to bewefi'ected between the cars, as shown in Fig. 5, but with the tie rods 18 servo also to strengthen the car, holding the -fire brick of which the car is constructed firmly in place. The rings 17 are provided with matching tongues and grooves and the cars are adapted to be fastened together by means of bolts 19 as shown. This construction enables me to form by building up a jected to the burning action, fuel being supplied by relatively stationary nozzles and appurtenant "devices which will be fully set forth hereinafter.

On each side 17 the cars 16 are provided with gas supplyopenings 20 which are located preferably at the middle of the cars, in the lower portion thereof. Extending between said openings 20, across the bottom of the car, is a combustion chamber 21, made up of fire brick or other refractory material 22 reaching over thefloor'of the car from side to side. This combustion chamber is of checker work so that the gases may pass freely from it and by building the combustion walls of the chamber permanently within the kiln-car, I prevent injury to certain llG kinds of brick which injury would otherwisearise due to direct contact of the brick with the flame. This chamber 21, need not,

however, be permanently constructed, but

may, if desired, be formed of fire brick or other suitable material placed loosely in the car. Each car is provided in its sides with peek holes 23 covered with mica or the like and the outer tunnel 10 is provided with similar holes 24 enabling operations within the kiln to be inspected during the process of burning the brick. 1 also provlde an opening 25 in the top of each car (see Fig.

'5) which enables the settle of the brick to be measured, as will be fully understood by persons skilled in the art; and for thepurpose of facilitating the introduction of a rule to measure this settle the outer tunnel 10 is provided with openings 26 having suitable closures 27. When gas is not being supplied tothe kiln c'ars through the openings 20 said openings are closed by plugs 28- shown in Fig. 6, these plugs having sliding doors 29 enabling the openings to be more or less uncovered as desired so as to regulate the air supply. At the receiving end the tunnel 10 is provided with a number of openings 20 having suitable doors or closures. These openings are in the side of the tunnel and are located at the drying section thereof, as indicated by the broken line and legends thereon in Fig. 1. The end of the last car at the receiving end of the tunnel 10,

is covered by a hood 31 and this is connected by an elbow 32 with the fan 12. If desired a hoisting means 33 may be provided to facilitate handling the hood 31 and elbow 32.

Situate intermediate the ends of the outer tunnel 10 in the middle of the burning section thereof (see the legends on Fig. 1) is a' producer 34, for supplying gaseous fuel to the kiln. This producer may be of any improved type; and the discharge conduit 35 thereof passes downward to a transverse main 36 crosslng under the tunnel 10 (see Fig.

At each side of the tunnel 10 are longitudinal mains 37 which are built outside of the tunnel and each of which is fitted with a number preferably three gas supply nozzles 38 (see Figs. 2 and 4). As shown in Fig. 4 the nozzles 38 project through openings 39 in the tunnel 10 and are adapted to be fitted snugly in the gas supply openings 20 of the kiln-cars. Fig. 4 shows the nozzle drawn back to allow the cars to be moved ahead, but when burning the brick, the nozzles are pro jected so that they fit snugly in the openings 20. I

have their open lower ends fitted in water into the bells 41 and from thence to the kiln-cars by way of the nozzles 38. For raising the bells 44, threaded arms are provided these operating in the upper walls of the bells 41 and being provided with nuts 46 or the like allowing them to be operated and held at the desired adjustment. In openings in the top walls of the bells 41 plugs 47 are arranged, these plugs closing holes in the bells so that upon raising the bells'44 and swinging them sidewise to clear the pipes 43, pokers may be introduced through the openings in the tops of the bells 41 and projected downward into the pipes 43 to clear them of soot, tar and similar objectionable accumulations. It will be seen that this construction for supplying gas to the nozzles allows the nozzles to be rapidly adjusted -toward and from the kiln-cars, the bells 41 In the operation of the apparatus the green brickare set in checker work in the kiln-cars around the combustion chambers 21' thereof and the cars are bolted up together to form a train as described, producing a continuous tubular kiln which being mounted on wheels may be rolled readily through the outer or stationary tunnel 10. The train is thus advanced through the tunnel, and as one car emerges from the discharge end 14 of the tunnel 10 with its brick burned, another car, loaded with green brick,

is attached to the receiving end of the train and the train is moved ahead for a car length and the hood-31' again applied. This ously, the train a'dv'aai cin with a step by step motion each-advance being equivalent to the lengthof oneof, the kiln cars. When the train isbeing advanced the nozzles 38 are drawn back to clear. the cars after which they are prcjected; into engagement with the cars and dnring'the'time that the train is at rest the brick burning operation takes place. Sincein the construction illustrated in the drawings, there aresix nozzles 38 it follows that the brick in each car are subjected to six distinct burning operations, one for each nozzle, these operations being interrupted by operation may, therefore, go on continuthe successive movements of the train. The six gas nozzles 38 being in operation to supply gas to six adjacent kiln-cars as shown in Fig. 2' the gas burns with a bright flame in these cars subjecting the brick therein to .intense heat. A draft is exerted continually through the kiln-cars by the fan 12 and air is thus drawn in through the discharge end of the train. This air passesthrough the train between the gas nozzles and the dis charge end and cools the brick which havealready been burned. At the same time this air is preheated and reaches the burning section in sucha state to greatly increase the efiiciency of the burning operation. Following the current through the kiln-train, the intensely hot of combustion pass ,intothe water smoking section there subject ing the brick to what is terined .the water smoking action, by whichlmoisture chemically combined with the ceramic material of which the brick is formed, is'disassociatcd and driven from the brick thus preparing the brick effectually for the burning process. Finally the hot gases of combustion somewhat cooled, however, owing to the water smoking process, pass into the drying sec tion of the apparatus and there serve to dry off the green brick prepartory to the water smoking action. It is found in practicethat these hot gases passinginto ,the' drying section, are not sumcient to absorh all of the moisture in the brick and it is d'esi'rable to introduce an access of air at'this point. To Iacilitate this, the openings and closures 30 in the main tunnel 1'0 are provided, these openings permitting the attendants to reach intothe main tum'ietand -epen, to any desired degree, the sliding doors 29 of the plugs 28, after which the doors 30 are closed. This allows an extra quantity of air tobe drawn between the two tunnels from the discharge end of the main tunnel into the tunnel-kiln at the drying point and I am thus enabled to take up all of the moisture from the brick, the gases of combustion passing finally through the fan 12 and into the atmosphere comparatively cooi and, laden with the moisture extracted from the kiln brick. Therefore, my invention provides for the most effectual utilization of the fuel; it first dries off the green brick, then subjects them to the water smoking action, then subjects the brick to the burning process and finally cools ofi' the brick to enable it to be handled immediately, at the same time. preheating the air which is supplied to support combustion during the burning process, and

in addition utilizing the heat radiated from the inner tunnel-kiln for drying purposes.

and legends the several divisions of the kiln from the drying section, next the water smoking section. next the burning section and finallythe cooling section.

Having thus specifically described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to setunnel-like kiln adapted to move past the gas producer to receive the fuel therefrom said kiln having side walls with openings therein to permit the introduction of the gaseous fuel.

3. An apparatus for burning brick ha ving a stationary outertunnel, a tunnel-like kiln adapted to move through the outer tunnel and receive the brick and means for supplying fuel to the interior of the kiln at a point intermediate the ends of the outer tunnel.

4. An apparatus for burning brick having a' stationary tunnel, a gas producer located intermediate the ends thereof, a continuous tunnel kiln adapted to move through the outer tunnel and means for conducting gas into the tunnel kiln from the gas producer.

5. An apparatus for burning brick having a kiln adapted to contain the brick a gaseous fuel supply means past which the kiln is movable and means for introducing the fuel unburned into the kiln. I

6. An apparatus for burning'brick having a kiln and. a series of gaseous fuel supply means past which the kiln is movable, such means serving tointroduce unburned gaseous fuel into the kiln.

7 An apparatusfor burning brick having a kiln made up of a number of communicat ing kiln-cars and a fuel supply means past which the kiln-cars are movable.

8. An apparatus for burning brick having a kiln constructed of a number ofcommunicating kiln-cars forming a continuous tunnel-like structure and a series of fuel supply devices past which said cars are adapted to move successively to subject the brick to the burning process.

9'. An apparatus for burning brick having a wheeled kiln car with inclosing side walls adapted .to have agaseous fuel burned within the same.

10. An apparatus for burning brick having a kiln-car with inclosihg side walls, the

car open at its code and provided with means for connecting it with other cars to form it continuous tunnel-kiln.

l1.- An apparatus for burning brick hav-- ing a kilncar with inclosing side walls of i refractory material the car open at its ends. In. Fig. 1 I have indicated by a broken line i 12. An apparatus for burning brick have ing a kiln-car formed of refractory material and open at its ends. rings or bands of metal at the ends of the car and tic-rods extended longitmdinally of the car and clamping said rings or bands against the refractory material.

13. An apparatus for burning brick comprising a kiln-car with a fuel supply opening in its side and a refractory combustion chamber in the car communicating with the opening.

14. An apparatus for burning brick having a kiln-car with fuel su ply openings in its opposite sides and a refractory combustion chamber in the car and extending trans- 16. An apparatus for burning brick havmg a main or outer tunnel, a tunnel-kiln adapted to move through the main or-outer tunnel and formed of a number of kiln-cars communicating with ,each other the front end of the tunnel being open, a suction means communicating with the rear end, a fuel supply means locatedintermediate the ends of the outer or main kiln and adapted supply openings.

to communicate with the interior of the tunnel kiln and means for regulatingthe air supply to the interior of the tunnel kiln be tween the rear end thereof and the fuel supply means.

17 An apparatus for burning brick having a. tunnel kiln open at the ends and adapted to have the brick placed therein,

means for supplying the fuel to the tunnel kiln at a point intermediate its ends and means for exertin anair and gas current through the tunne kiln.

18. An apparatus for burning brick having a tunnel kiln open at the ends and adapted to have the brick placed. therein, means for-supplying fuel to the tunnel kiln at a point intermediate its ends and means for exerting an 'air'an'd gas current through the tunnel kiln, said means being located between the suction end of the kiln and the fuel supply means for the purpose specified.

19. An apparatus for burning brick having a tunnel kiln adapted to have the bricks placed therein, said. kiln having gas supply 0 enings in the sides thereof, means for supp ying gas to the kiln through said openings and removable closures forthe gas supply openings.

20. An a paratus for ourning brick having 'a tunne kiln adapted to have the bricks placed therein, said kiln having gas supply 0 enings in the sides thereof, means for supp ying gas to the kiln through said openings and removable closures for the gas 21. An apparatus for burning brick com- I rising a main or outer Kiln, a gas producer cated intermediate the ends thereof, a

longitudinal mains located on ea transverse gas main passing under the tunnel and communicating with the gas roducer,

c side of the outer tunnel, a tunnel kiln adapted to move through the outer tunnel and gas supply devices communicating with the longitudinal mains and passing through the walls of the outer tunnel to communicate with the interior of the tunnel kiln.

22. An apparatus for burning brick comprising a main or outer tunnel, a tunnel kiln adapted to'move through the same, a gas main located adjacent to the outer tunnel, an adjustable gas supply means communicating with the main and with the tunnel kiln and means for effecting a water seal for said gas supply means.

23. An apparatus. for burning brick comprising a main or outer tunnel, a tunnelkiln adapted to move through the same, a gas main located adjacent to the outer tunnel, an adjustable gas supply means communicating with the main and with the tunnel-kiln and means for effecting a water seal for said gas supply means.

24. An apparatus for burning brick comprising a main or outer tunnel, a tunnelkiln adapted to'move through the same, a gas main located adjacent to the outer tunnel, an adjustable gas supply means com- I municating with the main and with the tunnel kiln and means for effecting a water seal for said gas supply means, said Water seal devices being located outside of the outer tunnel.

25. An apparatus for burning brick having an outer tunnel, a gas main adjacent thereto, a tunnel-kiln adapted to move through the outer tunnel, a gas nozzle projecting through the outer tunnel, and adapted to communicate with the interior of the tunnel kiln, means placing said gas nozzle in communication with the gas main and a water pan sealing the connection between the nozzle and said means placing it in communication with the main.

26. An apparatus for burning brick with gaseous fuel having a gas supply pipe, :1 water pan surroundin same, a gas nozzle with a bell communicating with the receiving end thereof and resting in the pan in inverted position.

27. An apparatus for burning brick with gaseous fuel having a gas supply pipe, :1 water pan surrounding same, a gas nozzle a bell communicating with the receiving end thereof and resting in the pan in inverted position, a valve commanding the discharge end of said gas supply ipe and located within the bell and means or adj ustin the valve.

28. An apparatus for burning rick with gaseous fuel havin a gas supply pipe, a water 'pan surroum in same, a gas nozzle and a bell communicating with the receiving end thereof and resting in the pan in invalve located verted position,a valve commanding the dis charge end of said gas supply pipe and located within the bell and means for adjusting the valve, said means for adjusting the valve comprising a rod adjustably held in the outer Wall of the bell and having connection with the valve.

29. An apparatus for burning brick with gaseous fuel comprising a gas supply pipe, a water pan surrounding same,-a gas nozzle, an inverted bell communicating therewith and resting in the water pan, a valve coinmanding the gas discharge end of the supply pipe and means for operating the valve, such means permitting the valve to be thrown sidewise out of the .line of the gas supply pipe to allow the introduction into said pipe ofa-wcleaningteol. Y

30. An apparatus for burning brick comprising a main or outer tunnel, a tunnelkiln adapted to inove through the same, a gasisupply main outside of the outer tunnel, a gas pipe passing outward from said main, a water pan Sui-Founding the gas supply pipe, a gas nozzle projecting'through the outer tunnel and adapted to communicate with the tunnel-kiln, :an inverted bell communicating with the ,outer end of'the, gas nozzle and restingin the water pan and the in the hell and commanding the gas pipe.

31. An apparatus for burning brick comprising a main or outer tunnel, a tunnel-kiln adapted to move through the same a gas supply mainoutside of the outer tunnel, a

gas pipe passing outward fromsaid main, a Water pan surroundlng the gas supply pipe,

a gas nozzle projecting through the outer thereof.

tunnel and adapted to communicate with the tunnel-kiln, an inverted bell communicating with the outer end of the gas nozzle and resting in the Water pan and a valve located in the bell and commanding the gas pipe, said valve being in the form of a hell with a diagonal lower edge adapted to be submerged in the water of the pan for the purpose specified, I

32. An apparatus for burning brick comprising a continuous tunnel-kiln made up of separably connected sections, a hood engaging one end of said tunnel-kiln, a suction,

means communicating with the hood and means for supplying the fuel to the kiln.

33. An apparatus for burning brick having a kiln composed of a number of individualsections independently movable and means for separably connecting said sections to form a continuouskiln.

WILLIAM B. CHAPMAN.

Witnesses:

ISAAC B. OW NS, THOMAS GREGORY. 

